The Canal du Midi is part of a network of waterways that cuts across France, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The 150-mile waterway wends its way from Toulouse to the port city of Sete and into the Thau Lagoon, passing by tiny villages and medieval ruins. Most area accommodations along the waterway are rural guesthouses, but full-service hotels can be found in the major towns along the way.

Toulouse

A half-mile walk from Canal du Midi, Hotel Kyriad Toulouse Centre is a 3-star, contemporary-style hotel in the theater and shopping district of the city. The bridge next to the hotel has a pedestrian overpass from which to view the waterway, and some of the rooms on the upper floors have water views. For a more upscale stay within 350 yards of the canal, book the Grand Hotel de l'Opéra, a converted 17th-century convent with a spa, restaurant and concierge service.

Carcassonne

Hotel du Soleil le Terminus, in the medieval city of Carcassonne, is 100 yards from the canal, and you may request a room with a view of the water, the city or the park. "Medieval" packages include a visit to the castle, a boat ride on the canal, breakfast, and a dinner of cassoulet and other regional dishes. For an extra charge, you may use the indoor swimming pool and gym. The more elaborate Hotel Mercure Porte de la Cite -- a short walk from the canal -- is a converted mansion with manicured grounds, three restaurants and a view of the walled city.

Beziers

In Beziers, an enormous aqueduct carries the waters of Canal du Midi over the Orb Bridge and through the city; boats can be seen traveling 30 feet above street level. For a smallish family-style hotel, book the Hotel Imperator in the middle of town and near the canal. Similar to a bed-and-breakfast inn, Imperator has single, double and triple rooms. A little farther away, on a street named for Pierre Paul Riquet, the creator of the canal, lies the tree-shaded Hotel des Poetes. The hotel loans bicycles to all its guests to facilitate the 650-yard trip to the canal.

Sète

Sete, in southern France, marks the end of the line for Canal du Midi, where it dumps into the Thau Bay of the Mediterranean. This section of the canal was originally called the Royal Canal, and locals still refer to it as such. Perched on the edge of the Royal Canal in Quai Aspirant Herber, Hotel l'Orque Bleue is a 19th-century Haussmanian building with a waterside view of the boats, a small garden and a reception area with complimentary wine. The hotel has no restaurant, but this popular tourist area has plenty of places to eat and drink. At this last stop for the canal, you will find yourself within walking distance of a sandy beach on the lagoon.

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About the Author

Raechel Donahue is an author, journalist and former features editor of the Brentwood News. Her specialties include travel, food and film. She performs a weekend show on BossBossRadio.com, runs a travel website and has written, produced and directed several PBS documentaries. A native Californian, Donahue currently lives in France.